Thibaut Courtois openly applies for return to Red Devils
On 20 March, the Belgian national football team faces Ukraine for the Nations League. Barely three days later, the return match of this diptych already takes place. With or without Thibaut Courtois? That is the question on many football fans' minds.
The Red Devils showed themselves vulnerable in several positions in recent matches, but in goal there appeared to be absolutely no loss of quality after the ‘golden generation’ faded out.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois decided eighteen months ago not to play for the national team after a conflict with then national coach Domenico Tedesco. But with the arrival of the new coach, Frenchman Rudi Garcia, the world's best goalkeeper is once again opening the door to the Devils.
The Belgian goalkeeper admitted in the recent (Arabic) podcast Koora Break that he is ready to play major tournaments with his national team again. ‘After a year and a half on the sidelines, I really miss the Devils,’ Courtois shared.
Over at Rio Ferdinand, the 32-year-old Limburger gives some more details about his departure from the Red Devils. For instance, he highlights the great contrasts between Tubize (the Red Devils' national training centre) and Madrid: ’At Real, I am respected by everyone, from the president to the hygiene staff. There, I can get through a door with everyone and also speak to everyone,’ he opens.
‘Even the biggest stars - including winners of the Ballon d'Or - respect me.’ Recognition he especially lacked from former T1 Tedesco. ‘That was just the big difference with the national team. There I didn't get the same feeling.’
‘Also the input from the Belgian press created a mix that exploded with me. But after a year and a half on the sidelines, I really miss the Red Devils. I want to play another big tournament for Belgium,’ Courtois said.
Wait and see what national coach Rudi Garcia will decide, as the ball is now in his camp...
(FVDV for Tagtik/Source: Koora Break/Illustration: picture alliance / Action Plus | Godfrey Pitt)
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